Study level

  • PhD

Faculty/School

Faculty of Health

School of Biomedical Sciences

Topic status

We're looking for students to study this topic.

Research centre

Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health

Supervisors

Distinguished Professor Lyn Griffiths
Position
Centre Director, Centre for Genomics & Personalised Health
Division / Faculty
Faculty of Health
Associate Professor Rodney Lea
Position
Associate Professor
Division / Faculty
Academic Division

Overview

This research project involves investigating the genetic basis of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The project will focus on the genetically unique population of Norfolk Island. The Norfolk Island Health Study has been running for 20 yrs. Over this time the cardiovascular health of the Islanders has been tracked via the collection of relevant clinical data. In addition whole genome sequence data from the study group has been collected, which will facilitate the discovery of genetic variants that influence CVD phenotypes - including blood pressure, cholesterol, kidney function. To achieve this the study will involve the use of powerful statistical and computational methods including pedigree analysis, integrative genomics and machine learning. The goal of this research is to discover new genes that cause CVD. These will aid in understanding pathology and help personalise treatment of this major disease.

This project will be conducted at the Genomics Research Centre (GRC) at Queensland University of Technology. The GRC is a longstanding and reputable research laboratory focused on understanding the genetics of complex diseases. The project is led by Prof Lyn Griffiths, with the bioinformatics component led by A/Prof Rodney Lea. The successful student will thus have access to excellent supervision as well as state-of-the art genomic and computational resources.

Research activities

This project is a bioinformatics-focused project using existing genomic and clinical data. This means the student will be mostly analysing data using specialised statistical and computational tools. It will involve critically interpreting the results and writing scientific reports for presentation and publication.

Outcomes

The goal of this research is to discover new genes that cause CVD. These will aid in understanding pathology and help personalise treatment of this major disease.

Skills and experience

The successful student will have knowledge of human genetics with an interest in one or all of the following areas; statistics, computing, data science, bioinformatics, mathematics. Programming skills in languages such as Python, R, Bash (Linux) will be an advantage.

Scholarships

You may be eligible to apply for a research scholarship.

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Keywords

Contact

For more information contact Dr Rodney Lea via rodney.lea@qut.edu.au